Trucking Terms: ABCs of Understanding The Trucker Language

The Trucking Terms Your Mom Warned You About

Every industry or occupation seems to have it’s own unique “language.” What I mean is that typically, these words, terms or phrases have a specific meaning to the folks that work in that industry. Trucking is no different. Do you know what a “drop and hook” is or the meaning of “hub miles?” Don’t worry, if you don’t know your “yard jockeys” from your “lumpers,” we’ve got you covered with this special blog post series, Truck Talk: The ABCs of Trucking Language.

In this series, I’m going to break down general trucking terms as well as some “driver speak” – those words and phrases that are likely to be heard of the CB radio. Yes, the 1970’s phenomena CB radio is still widely used across the trucking industry. It’s an important communication tool for truck drivers as well as shippers. So, it’s a great idea to brush up on your trucker lingo.

Let’s get part one of the Truck Talk: The ABCs of Trucking Language started with these general trucking terms…

Average Length of Haul
The average distance in miles between the pick-up and delivery points.

Carrier
An individual, partnership, or corporation engaged in the business of transporting goods or persons; a trucking company.

Hazmat
Hazardous Materials, as classified by the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Transport of hazardous materials is strictly regulated by the US Department of Transportation. eGears offers an online Hazmat training course to help prepare for the written test.

Hours of Service
U.S. Department of Transportation safety regulations which govern the hours of service of commercial vehicle drivers engaged in interstate trucking operations.

Hub Miles
Refers to the actual amount of miles a driver runs as per the odometer.

Interstate
(Driving) between 2 or more states.

Intrastate
(Driving) within a state.

Irregular Route Common Carrier
A phrase used to describe a carrier that will haul freight from anywhere to anywhere with no set routes.

Jackknife
To place the trailer at a very sharp angle to the tractor.

Want to put these terms to use? Apply today!

Driver Solutions can help you get the CDL training you need to become a truck driver. Start your career now and you could be on the road making up to $50,000 in just the first year! Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application now.

Well, that wraps up the first lesson in the ABC’s of Trucking Language course. Don’t worry; there won’t be a vocabulary test. But now you’re ready to have an intelligent conversation about trucking. In part two, I’ll dig into some truck specific terms such as “king pin,” “reefer,” and “bobtail” so be sure to check back.

Start Your Trucking Career Now

Driver Solutions can help you get the CDL training you need to become a truck driver. Start your career now and you could be on the road making up to $50,000 in just the first year! Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application now.